The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Thermal kicked off at HITS Desert Horse Park with Thursday’s $36,500 Desert Welcome Stake CSI3*-W class. As the final stop on the West Coast to qualify for the FEI World Cup™ Finals in Omaha, Nebraska in April, each rider is hunting for points this week. It all leads up to the main event, the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Qualifier on Saturday, February 11 at 3pm PST.

This class belonged to young Canadian equestrian, Ali Ramsay of Victoria, British Columbia. Ramsay soared her way to the win aboard her partner Hermelien VD Hooghoeve, a striking and powerful bay mare. Going second in the order of a four-horse jump-off, Ramsay and her mount laid down a cool, clear round to take home the winning title.

Lane Clarke of Laguna Nigel, California, challenged the abbreviated course first riding Balu U, owned by Georgy Maskrey-Segesman. They came in on the right lead and flew straight to the first fence, an oxer mid-ring. They clocked in clear in 44.05 to set the tone for the remaining three challengers.

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